June 7, 2022
Colleagues,
Over the past few weeks, we have borne witness to near-daily acts of mass violence, including at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, and a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on May 14. Our hearts break for all of the victims and their families. While the motivations of those responsible are not always known, in the days after the tragedy in Buffalo, we saw no less than three deadly acts of domestic terrorism perpetrated against people because of their race. These acts of violence are part of a troubling increase in targeted violence against Asian, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and Black Americans, with numerous studies and the top U.S. law enforcement officials pinpointing white supremacy as the nation’s primary domestic terrorism threat. The impact of these deadly, targeted attacks extends throughout these communities across the country. The attack in Buffalo, which targeted Black people, demonstrates the violence inherent in white supremacist ideology. The false “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory underscores the deadly consequences of those promoting faux-theories rooted in hate as mainstream concepts.
The prevalence of such ideology demonstrates the importance of the work we do as scholars and practitioners advancing inclusive excellence. Yet, we know the psychological impact of this violence and the emotional toll of our work is immense. As a community, we can lift up one another as we collectively and individually navigate this trauma and support our colleagues and our campuses. To that end, I hope the following resources and recommendations will help each of you to care for yourselves:
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NADOHE member and American Counseling Association President Dr. S. Kent Butler shares these ACA resources:
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The American School Counselor Association has gathered a resource page for helping students after a school shooting, including an American Psychological Association guide on managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Thank you to NADOHE member Dr. Anneliese Singh for sharing.
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Our private LinkedIn group offers a space for community and conversation.
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As you care for others, also care for yourself. Seton Hall University offers a list of resources for coping with racial trauma.
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In the coming weeks, we will invite you to join us for programming intended to support our mental health and work during times of crisis, including incidents that target communities based on race and other social identities.
Remember, we can only pour into others when our cups are filled. I’m grateful for the work you do, and for your contributions to our NADOHE community.